The Eastern Conference Finals is set. The Boston Celtics moved on by beating the Philadelphia 76ers in 5 games. They will face the defending Eastern Conference Champions Cleveland Cavaliers. This is a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference Finals where Cleveland moved on in 5 games. Game 1 is Sunday in Boston.
Boston played Cleveland 3 times this year. Cleveland came away with 2 victories. The only win for Boston was on January 3rd with the final score of 102-88. The last time these two teams faced each other was on February 11th. Cleveland drummed Boston 121-99. Of course these two teams are playing at higher level than on February 11th.
There is now more at stake and the winner of this series moves onto the NBA Finals. Boston knows how difficult Cleveland is with LeBron James. James is averaging 34.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 9 assists in the postseason. Boston is going to need to figure out a way to shut him down. They may have to double team him and force him to pass to one of his teammates. Boston has to make either Kevin Love. Rodney Hood, or J.R. Smith beat them
On the defensive end, the Celtics must box out. The Cavaliers have the ability to box out and grab rebounds. Those are extra possessions and an opportunity for Cleveland to put more points on the scoreboard. If Boston boxes out, they could add fast break points. The rebounding is going to dictate how this series will go.
On offense Boston doesn’t rely on the “super stars” but team basketball. They can score with Jayson Tatum, Terry Rozier, and Al Horford. All of them need to elevate their game further. Boston can’t just shoot 3-pointers. The best way to beat Cleveland is drive to the hoop. If Boston goes into the lane for easy 2-pointers they might be fouled to complete the 3-point play.
A key in this series is making free throws. Boston has been average in the playoffs at the stripe. They aren’t taking advantage of free throws with a percentage of 76.2%. That must be improved in order to knock off Cleveland.
This is going to be a tough series for Boston. At least they have home court advantage. In order for them to be successful they need to win one of the first two games and then steal a game in Cleveland. This will send a message that Boston is ready to compete for a championship. If they don’t, it could be a short series.
I’m going to say two words here. “Lebron” and “James” lol just playing. Jason Tatum has been going off this season and the entire Celtics team has stepped it up, but is it enough for Cleveland just like you can ask if Cleveland will be enough for the Warriors or the Rockets teams. I personally think that if anyone in the east had the beat percentage of chance to send Lebron home, it would’ve been the Raptors.